How to Write a 90-day Business Plan

by Charles Crawford, Demand Media

Special business needs call for short-term plans.

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Several situations might explain the need to write a business plan that focuses on a particular 90-day period. A company might require board of directors' approval to commit resources to a certain opportunity -- some marketing initiative, for example, that is outside of its normal scope of activity. A business might need such a plan to back up a loan application. The owner of a new business might want a plan that focuses on his company's start-up period.

Step 1

Write a description of the company. Tell the story of how it came into being and what it does. Give the address of the business and the number of employees. Include photos if they will help to describe the business.

Step 2

Describe the company's products or services. Tell the reader about the features that make them special. If there is a research and development division, tell what it did to create the company's products or services and what it is doing for the future.

Describe the company's industry and the segment in which it operates. Discuss the competition and the company's sales strategy. If the reason for the 90-day plan is to take advantage of a new marketing opportunity, describe it in the marketing section of the business plan.

Step 4

Insert biographical summaries of the management team and key employees. Give each person's responsibilities at the company, his relevant industry experience and a summary of his educational background and special training. Include information about the company's outside professional support team of accountants, attorneys and consultants.

Step 5

Include financial projections covering the 90-day period that is the focus of the special business plan. If the reason for the plan is a special sales opportunity, show its impact on the company's revenues, expenses and net profit. If the plan is supporting a loan application, show the company's ability to service the debt.

Step 6

Attach an appendix containing documents, plans or photos that relate to the reason for the 90-day business plan.

Things Needed

Not applicable

Tip

Involve your accountants in the preparation of the financial projections.

About the Author

Charles Crawford, a former commercial banker, has been a business writer in New York since 1990. He has produced marketing materials for an executive outplacement firm, written the quarterly newsletter of a medical nonprofit organization and created financing proposals/business plans. Crawford holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in international affairs from Florida State University.

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